Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten century and Ishan Kishan's scintillating 93-run knock helped India to win the second ODI against South Africa at JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. With the win, India levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1.
Chasing a 279-run target, India lost both their openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman, inside 9 overs. But Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan played counter-attacking innings, stitching 161 runs for the third wicket and took the game away from the visitors. Kishan, who was playing at his home ground, went hammer and tongs after reaching his 50-run mark.
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He tonked Anrich Nortje for three consecutive sixes before getting out for 84-ball 93, which was studded with seven maximums and 5 fours.
After Kishan's dismissal, Iyer ensured he remained at the other end and slammed his second ODI century. He along with Sanju Samson took India home with 25 balls to spare. Iyer remained unbeaten on 113 runs.
Opting to bat first, South Africa were off to a poor start as they lost their openers Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan inside 10 overs with 40 on the board.
Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, then, mixed caution with aggression to great effect and stitched a 129-run stand for the third wicket. Hendricks went back to the pavilion at 74 but Markram continued from the other end.
However, with Henrich Klassen and Makram's wickets in quick succession, the Proteas lost all the moment. Indian pacers led by Mohammed Siraj displayed a brilliant bowling display in the death overs, conceding only 41 runs in the last 8 and stopped South Africa at 278-7 in 50 Overs.